The first new social housing units to be rebuilt by the Christchurch City Council since the earthquakes have been officially opened today.

The 12 new flats in the Maurice Carter Courts complex in Spreydon were opened by Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, who presented the oldest resident, 90-year-old Alfred Roberts, with the key to his new unit.

Dalziel said the opening was a very significant day for the city.

Among the dignitaries attending the event were Wigram MP Megan Woods, former city councillor Tim Carter and his father, Philip, representing the Carter family whose name belongs to the site.

The new units were built on bare land at the complex and were given a five-star building accreditation which showed they met certain design and accessibility standards.

Alfred Roberts said it was "a strange feeling'' to be moving into the new units, although he was looking forward to it after having left his previous council housing after the earthquakes.

Dalziel said she was "incredibly proud'' to see the first new units opened and was looking forward to even more new housing stock in the future.